What is the PSTN Switch Off 2026?

By December 2026, BT Openreach will switch off the traditional analogue telephone network (PSTN) and ISDN lines in the UK. All businesses must switch to a digital (VoIP) phone system before this deadline to keep their phone numbers working.

Can I keep my existing UK landline number?

Yes, you can port your existing 01, 02, or 0800 number to StartACall. This moves your number to the cloud, allowing you to answer calls on any device, anywhere.

Do I need special hardware?

No. StartACall is a browser-based virtual phone system. You can make and receive calls using your existing laptop, tablet, or smartphone via our web interface. No desk phones required.

🇬🇧Ready for the 2026 Switch Off?

The Virtual Phone System for UK Business

Get a professional 020 London, 0161 Manchester, or 0800 Freephone number instantly. Make and receive business calls from your browser or mobile. No desk phones, no contracts, just pure flexibility.

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Setup in 60 seconds • No credit card required

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The 2026 PSTN Switch Off is Coming

Traditional landlines in the UK are being switched off. Move your business phone to the cloud now to avoid disruption. Keep your existing number or get a new one.

Choose Your UK Business Number

Whether you need a local presence in London or a national image, we have the right number for you.

01 & 02 Numbers

Local geographic numbers (e.g., 020 London, 0161 Manchester). Essential for local trust.

0800 Freephone

National free-to-call numbers. Increases customer inquiries by removing cost barriers.

0330 National

Non-geographic numbers charged at local rates. Gives a nationwide professional image.

07 Mobile

Virtual mobile numbers for SMS and voice. Great for dedicated business lines.

More Than Just a Phone Number

Enterprise-grade features for UK small businesses at a fraction of the cost.

Work from Anywhere

Take calls on your laptop in a coffee shop in Shoreditch or on your mobile in the Cotswolds.

Set Business Hours

Automatically route calls to voicemail after 5 PM. Maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Instant Setup

No engineer visits. No waiting for BT Openreach. Get your number active in under 60 seconds.

Cost Savings

Save up to 70% compared to traditional landline contracts. Pay-as-you-go flexibility.

HD Voice Quality

Crystal clear audio using modern WebRTC technology. Better than patchy mobile reception.

Team Collaboration

Share numbers with your team. See who is on a call and transfer customers seamlessly.

Traditional Landline vs. StartACall

Feature	Traditional Landline	StartACall Virtual
Setup Time	2-4 Weeks	60 Seconds
Contract	12-24 Months	No Contract
Hardware	Desk Phone Required	Use Any Device
Location	Fixed to Office	Work Anywhere
Cost	£30-£50/month	Pay-As-You-Go

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my existing number?

Yes! We support number porting. You can bring your existing BT, Virgin, or TalkTalk business number to our cloud platform and ditch the expensive line rental.

Do I need a strong internet connection?

StartACall is optimized for low bandwidth. A standard 4G mobile connection or basic home broadband is more than enough for crystal-clear HD voice calls.

Is this suitable for a sole trader?

Absolutely. It's perfect for sole traders who want to keep their personal mobile number private while presenting a professional landline number to clients.

What happens if I miss a call?

You can set up voicemail which will be emailed to you as an audio file, or forward calls to another number or team member so you never miss a lead.

Get Your UK Business Number Today

Join thousands of UK businesses switching to the cloud. No setup fees.

Porting, Caller Costs and Emergency Calls: The UK Fine Print

In short

Moving a UK business to a virtual phone system raises questions the brochures skip: how the number port actually proceeds, what your customers pay to dial each prefix, and what happens if someone needs 999 during a broadband outage. This section answers those, then closes with the habits that keep a UK presence credible when the team works from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to port a UK business number?+

Simple geographic numbers often move within days once the letter of authority is signed, while numbers attached to complex multi-line services can take weeks. The gaining provider manages the process and confirms the agreed port date.

Should I cancel my landline before porting the number?+

No, never. Cancelling first releases the number back to the range holder and it may be unrecoverable. Keep the old service active until the port completes and you have confirmed the number rings on the new system.

Do customers pay more to call an 03 number?+

No. Ofcom requires 03 calls to cost the same as calls to 01 and 02 numbers, and they count toward inclusive minutes in phone bundles, so an 03 number gives national presence without penalizing callers.

Can I dial 999 from a VoIP business phone?+

Yes, UK internet phone providers must carry 999 and 112 calls and register your address for emergency services. Keep the registered address up to date, and keep a mobile available since VoIP fails during power or broadband outages.

Is an 0800 number worth it for a small business?+

It depends on who calls you. Freephone removes all cost hesitation for callers and works well on advertising response lines, but the business pays for every incoming minute, so an 01, 02 or 03 number is usually the economical default.